Fisheries and Coastal Science Uncrewed Marine Systems
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to conduct market research for commercially available Uncrewed Marine System (UMS) solutions. The goal is to identify platforms capable of supporting NOAA's Fisheries and Coastal Science missions. Responses are due by April 2, 2026, at 20:00:00Z.
Scope of Work
NOAA is seeking UMS platforms to support a range of missions, including:
- Assessment and Management of Living Marine Resources (LMR)
- Fisheries Science and Management
- Protected Resources, Science and Management
- Habitat Conservation and Restoration
- Ecosystem Studies
Specific capabilities sought include ocean and coastal biomass/bottom mapping, water column profiling (CTD), environmental monitoring (pCO2), surface/midwater/seafloor parameter sampling, and emergency response. Key operating profile and performance requirements include:
- Operating Days: 235 days at sea per year
- Mission Duration: Up to 21 continuous days
- Sea State: Fully mission capable through Sea State 4
- Range: 5,500 nautical miles
- Transit Speed: Minimum 10 knots
- Endurance: 21 days continuous operation
- Operating Environment: -13°F to 104°F air, 28°F to 95°F seawater
Additional requirements cover acoustic systems (high-resolution bathymetry, biomass assessment, minimal bubble sweepdown), underwater radiated noise performance, reliable communications and navigation, and robust maintenance, logistics, and supportability concepts (U.S.-based support, supply chain resilience).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice / Request for Information (RFI)
- Response Due: April 2, 2026, 20:00:00Z
- Published: March 12, 2026, 15:13:29Z
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
Submission & Evaluation
This is an RFI for market research purposes only; it is not a solicitation for proposals or quotes. Responses are voluntary. NOAA is seeking information on:
- Company details and point of contact
- Description of existing commercial UMS platforms and their maturity level
- Technical specifications (size, displacement, propulsion, endurance)
- Payload capacity and integration approach
- Performance data, including underwater radiated noise
- Estimated cost range (Rough Order of Magnitude)
- Production capacity and delivery timeline
Vendors should indicate which requirements are fully met, partially met, or require modification.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
Respondents must provide their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM registration status. They should also indicate their North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes and socio-economic status (e.g., 8(a), Small Disadvantaged Business, Woman-Owned Small Business, HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business). Information on relevant GSA Schedule contracts, GWACs, or other applicable IDIQs is also requested.
Additional Notes
Responses must be submitted electronically in PDF format, not exceeding 25 pages. NOAA reserves the right to schedule vendor meetings based on the information received. The primary contact is Jana Kolb (Jana.Kolb@noaa.gov).